Walking tour reveals Pinehurst primed for U.S. Open

Thursday

Jun 12, 2014 at 12:01 AMSep 26, 2016 at 5:15 AM

If one is covering a tournament at a course he’s never previously visited it makes sense to get out of the press area and do a walkabout to see what the players are getting ready to face over the next four days. Insofar as one of my favorite times to play golf is late afternoon/early evening, it was around that time I was able to get out and see Pinehurst No. 2 for the first time Wednesday.

Some of my observations:

– The course is really dry. Rory McIlroy talked about how a little rain might do it some good, particularly in terms of softening up the greens and tamping down the dusty areas. Saw several greens being watered on my walk and expect to see that a lot more barring a strong storm or two.

– Bubba Watson talked about how driving the ball far can be a negative, and that’s the case with several holes including No. 1. Fairways tend to be relatively wide until one gets close to the green, whereupon both sides narrow, creating something of a neck from about 100 yards in. One wants to leave his ball above that neck for a clean lie coming in.

– Those native areas are going to be a real challenge for guys who catch an unlucky break. As McIlroy noted, balls don’t often end up in or under a bush, but it’s bound to happen occasionally and can result in a wasted shot when it does. Otherwise the biggest problem the so-called "native areas" create is an uneven stance, which is no small issue when one is faced with a long approach to the green.

– Man, some of these holes are long. The course stretches 7,562 yards and includes a 617-yard par-5 (No. 10) and a 528-yard par-4 (No. 16). And while No. 18 is a reasonable 451-yard par-4, the fairway can’t be much more than 20-25 yards wide. Watched three groups come through Tuesday and of the 12 players only four or five found the fairway with their first drive.

– Green speeds are a huge concern. Saw one maintenance worker with his Stimpmeter out on the eighth green. USGA Executive Director Mike Davis has vowed the Stimp will run 11 to 111/2 for both men’s and women’s tournaments. Again, watering is an all-important element.

– There’s been a lot of talk this week about the saucer-like greens and how it’s so tough to hold approach shots. McIlroy said you can’t go wrong aiming for the middle, and that seems a sound strategy. But chipping will be as important here as in any tournament in recent memory.

– Overall, the course looked ready to go, though maintenance guys were flying around in carts in every direction with sunset still a couple hours away addressing the final issues. Winds have mostly been down this week, so the course won’t have that defense. But as in most Opens, any player would likely be delighted to get through the week at even par and take his chances.

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